Little Rock, Arkansas, were gracious hosts to the Innkeeping Conference and Trade Show

It was 9 years ago that I went to my first Innkeeper’s Conference.  It just amazes me how marketing has changed, moving rapidly toward more and more internet presense. I’ve been to a few conferences, this past week it was the Innkeeping Conference and Trade Show hosted by the Professional Association of Innkeepers International in Little Rock, Arkansas, coming home with so much information and tools to make the Old Parkdale Inn that much more visible on the web and comfortable and accommodating for our guests.

Social media has become a hot topic.  A couple of years ago it may have been a trend but not anymore.  It is here to stay and I invite you to visit  on The Old Parkdale Inn on Facebook, ‘like’ us and keep up with the many events happening in the Hood River Valley and at our bed and breakfast near majestic Mt Hood.  You can also keep up with us on Twitter and +1 us on our new Google + Business Page.

We recently promoted the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast through a LivingSocial Deal.  That was fun and exciting, taking over 30 reservations the first day!  We’ve met some wonderful folk, many coming from Portland, the Willamette Valley and Washington State, who didn’t know the Hood River Valley existed  even though we are less than 90 miles from downtown Portland.  Many look forward to a return visit, perhaps during the summer for outdoor adventures and summer fruit or in the fall when the apple and pear harvest is in full swing and the fall foliage is spectacular.   My goal this year is to Blog MORE!!  Sharing all that we, the Hood River Valley, Mt Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge has to offer. Oh, and we will be running another LivingSocial Deal in the Spring.  Be watching.

Signing the Balfour Troll Log Book

I have acquired a new hobby.  Or should I say an obsession.  Geocaching.  ”Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people …from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.  Geocaching.com is the headquarters for the activity”

There are over 20 Geocaches within a 10 mile radius of the Old Parkdale Inn, many within walking distance.  Come on up, stay a spell and I’ll share some of my favorites with you.  I am in Little Rock, Arkansas, this week, at a Bed and Breakfast Conference.  But I made sure to download some caches onto my Garmin and so far I have found 6 just walking around this lovely City.  Geocaching is a great way to explore places you’ve never been, sites you’ve never seen.  I actually have Friday off and am thinking about renting a car so I might drive to Oklahoma and Texas to pick up a couple state souvenirs.  Yeah, a little obsessed!!

Snowshoe the Mt Hood National Forest

My favorite is snowshoe.  Never really did too much downhill as a child and now I don’t like to fall down as much and speed is not a necessity!  So we snowshoe.  For us there is nothing better than a hike in the Mt Hood National Forest, fresh snow, no wind, fresh tracks.  If it’s snowing, it’s even better.
The Mt Hood National Forest is about 5 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn.  Plenty of snowparks, trails, and our favorite, forest roads to explore.  A couple of weeks ago a single gal spent three days with us, put her XC (cross-country) skies on right outside our door, and headed out through town, around the soccer field and out into the orchards. 

The Nordic Center at the Cooper Spur Mt Resort is 7 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn and provides 6.5 kilometers of trails which are groomed for skating and traditional striding. Separate snowshoe trails are also available for winter outdoor enthusiasts.

We go up Laurance Lake Rd.  It’s 4 miles to the lake and the road continues on for a few more miles and there are many side roads to explore.  You might meet another couple of local folks, and usually their dogs.  No crowds, just you, the forest and occasional wildlife, certainly lots of tracks.  We’ll start your day with hot coffee and a hearty breakfast and be here when you return, with the fire burning and a warm beverage.

A surprise visit from the White Throated Sparrow.

On January 1st I participated in the 2012 Christmas Bird Count.  Although this yearly event has been going on now for 111 years through the Audubon Society it is the 24th event in the Hood River Valley.  Unlike many, I stayed close to home participating in the FeederWatch Count.

Thousands of volunteers braving the winter weather, grab their binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission – often before dawn.  For over one hundred years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season to make vital contributions to conservation.  Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations – and to help guide conservation action.

Visiting our feeders were:

Sharp Shinned Hawk
5 Golden Crowned Sparrow
12 California Quail
50+ Dark-eyed junco
… 50+ Oregon junco
8 Eurasian Collarded Dove
1 Downy Woodpecker
2 House Finch.
1 Western Scrub Jay
1 House Sparrow
4 Black-capped Chickadee
4 Chestnut-backed Chickadee
3 Red-breasted Nuthatch
2 American Robin
1 Spotted Towhee
1 Fox Sparrow
And the most exciting: A very rare, to these parts, White-throated Sparrow

From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds and the excitement of friendly competition — and with the knowledge that their efforts are making a difference for science and bird conservation.  Our feeders sit right outside our dining room so guests get to observe and participate in the count.

Don't Pass Snow Plows on the Right ~ Duh!

A couple years back someone tacked this added message below the warning sign that really states the obvious.  Be prepared when exploring Oregon during the winter months.  And don’t always rely on that GPS.  Many forest roads, while beautiful alternatives from the main highways and freeways during the snow free months, are not maintained during the winter.

Travelers should be aware that even a few inches of snow can obscure icy roads and soft shoulders where vehicles can become stuck.  Winter storms can trigger unexpected rock slides, and falling limbs and trees; they can quickly change driving conditions on forest roads from passable to impassable in a matter of minutes.

Keys to safe winter driving: Plan for the unexpected.  Keep in mind that cell phones may not work in remote areas.  Check the latest road and weather conditions at TripCheck.com or dial 511 before heading out.  Always tell someone where you’re going and stick to that plan.   Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.  Travelers should be prepared to spend long periods of time in the car.  Blankets or sleeping bags, warm clothes, a snow shovel, water, food and other necessities are recommended as part of a complete vehicle emergency kit.  Always fuel up at the beginning of the trip.

Weather can change quickly, particularly in higher elevations. Good snow tires, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and chains are advised or often required, when driving in winter conditions.  As a general rule, always adjust your speed to current conditions and drive at speeds that allow you to stop in half of the visible road distance ahead of you.

Helpful information about planning a trip to a national forest during the winter months can be found on the Know Before You Go webpage at go.usa.gov/Cmq.

ODOT and the Hood River County Maintanance Crews do an amazing job keeping  Highways 26 and 35 through the Hood River Valley, around Mt Hood and through the Mt Hood National Forest passable.  They plow, they de-ice and sand but it is our job to use a little common sense, stay on roads maintained during the winter months, and drive cautiously to make sure we reach our destination safely.

The Oregon B&B Guild Lodging Gift Voucher is accepted at the Old Parkdale Inn

Still looking for that special unique gift?  Lodging Gift Vouchers make great gifts and there’s no lines, no shoving and no need to get up at 5am to order them online!   You place your order any time of day, securely online and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guilddoes the rest.  The Old Parkdale Inn accepts these Lodging Gift Vouchers from the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild or the recipient of your thoughtful gift can redeem them at any one of the Guild’s 92 unique bed and breakfasts in every region of Oregon.

Last Chance Holiday Bazaar at the Hood River County Fairgrounds

I’m heading out to the Last Chance Holiday Bazaar, Saturday and Sunday, December 10-12, at the Hood River County Fairgrounds in the Community Building.  Free Parking and Free Admission. Includes food and wine tasting. Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase local fruit and gifts for Christmas! It’s a great time to by that last minute Christmas gift for yourself or someone else.

We have one room available tonight should you decide to come on out to the Hood River Valley.  Our Monet Suite has a queen bed and private bath.  Mention this blog post and receive a 10% discount.

The Mountain Ash, shown here on the left, has a lovely warm coppery glow

I drove into Hood River a couple weeks back and the Fall Foliage was OK.  Even our guests were a little disappointed with the late peak.  But yesterday when I drove into town, well, what a difference a couple of weeks make.  Our spring was a couple weeks late so I guess it’s expected that our fall foliage peak would also be a little late. 

It really is spectacular.  Today Tilly and I took one of our favorite fall drives, up to the Cooper Spur Ski Area, the road looping around, meeting up with Hwy 35, then back to Parkdale.  As we climbed out of the Hood River Valley, up into the Mt Hood National Forest, the maples and cottonwoods make were quite vibrant.  Up at the higher altitudes most of the leaves were off these trees but the Larch were in full color, such a lovely coppery orange.   In our own yard, are the maples, birch, and warm copper colored Mountain Ash.  With the cool yet mild weather we are having we are sure to have a couple more weeks of color before our world turns to evergreen and white.

A vibrant Mountain Ash with Mt Hood in the background

Columbia River Gorge was noted as the third best spot in a recent foliage destination list, right behind Aspen and the Catskills!!   But we’ve known about the foliage show for a long time.  Add the colors of the Mt Hood National Forest and the acres and acres of fruit trees and you will be in awe with the splendor.   Nothing says “fall” like the blazing red, glimmering gold, and burnt-orange leaves that cover trees and crunch underfoot during the autumn months.

Bike or drive the backroads, hike the forests or sit in our gardens with a throw over your legs, a warming bonfire at your feet and watch the colors around you change.  Stay midweek through October, avoid the fruit picking weekend crowds, take time to unwind and receive a lodging discount.  Still some weekend rooms available.  Check our online availability calender.

Phelps Creek Vineyards are one of many in the Hood River Valley

The world famous orchards of the Hood River Valley are sharing space with award winning vineyards. The wines are becoming just as famous as its tree fruit.  Fast evolving into one of the Northwest’s finest grape-growing and winemaking regions the tasting rooms hold special events including wine tasting, vineyard tours and activities for families and friends.

The Gorge White House ~ Try their 2011 Heritage Pear Wine.

Mt. Hood Winery ~ Come for the wine and stay for the view.

Wy’East Vineyards ~ Tasting room with patio and deck overlooking a waterfall and pond

Pheasant Valley Winery ~ Certified Organic Vineyard and Winemaking Facility

Cathedral Ridge Winery ~  Voted a “Top 10 Northwest Picnic Spot” by Wine Press NW

Phelps Creek Vineyards ~ Where grape growing takes center stage

All of these wineries are on the Hood River County Fruit Loop, a 35 miles driving tour through our famous valley, and the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is in the middle of it all.  Enjoy the wines and explore the valley’s family farms, forests and friendly communities, then return to comfort of the Inn and serenity of the gardens.